Overview

Pat Murphy and John Davis’ experimental film attempts to posit an alternative, feminist perspective on the Troubles and Irish nationalism. Flitting between the various pasts and present, it follows the experiences of the titular character as she grows up under the spectre of sectarianism, leaves Belfast and then returns after years away.

Made during the period when theoretical debate informed both the subject matter and form of British independent film, Maeve attempts to subvert supposedly masculine traditions of film language with avowedly unusual and disruptive techniques, presenting a feminist alternative to the conventional narrative of the Troubles.